Final Score: Blackburn 2 LFC 2

Cisse was injured in the first half - broken leg.

Goals for LFC from Riise and Baros.

More to follow...

[lfc-news] Rafa: 'I want to think only of winning the next game' - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 29 Oct 2004
'I want to think only of winning the next game'
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

"WE MUST be doing well. There are so many reporters here," observes Rafa
Benitez having concluded one newspaper interview and been summoned by TV.

Liverpool's manager and players are in demand, and at the moment the
questions are accentuating the positive.

Victory over Millwall in midweek was achieved with the kind of authority
Benitez intends to make his hallmark.

And if the momentum is kept at Ewood Park on Saturday, Liverpool's crawl
towards the top of the Premiership will pick up speed.

Having said that, try turning any conversation with Benitez towards
catching Arsenal and the most polite rebuke in football follows.

"When you start talking about things like that, you lose sight of the
reality," says Benitez.

"I didn't think about what it meant for Liverpool when Arsenal lost last
week. Okay, we know we are nine points behind with a game in hand, but if
you analyse the Premiership table you lose focus. I want to think only of
winning the next game.

"If we win, I'll let the journalists talk about how close we are to the
top. I don't want to talk about these things.

"People may say we are better now because we are winning, but if we lose a
game and concede another goal from a set-piece, people will be saying
something else again.

"After three years in Valencia, we always found something to improve with
the team and it will be the same here. You can always do something better."

Benitez will recall his big guns for the trip to Blackburn, but the success
in midweek was significant for numerous reasons.

Not only did his youngsters stake their claim for further appearances,
there was a seamless transition in the tactical approach of the team.

The pressing, possession game which is at the core of Benitez's values
survived 10 changes.

"When you change many players but the team plays with the same movement and
puts in place the same ideas, it means the players are responding, " says
Benitez.

"They are still learning all the time but I like it when you can change one
player for another with no difference and no problems.

"Then when the players are competing with each other for a place, you will
increase their level even more.

"All the youngsters played well. They deserve praise because it was a very
difficult place to go. Zak Whitbread was safe in defence and Darren Potter
was good as both a winger and when he moved inside to play as a second forward.

"Neil Mellor fought very hard and had some opportunities and Stephen
Warnock had a good game. It's important for the team and for them they
contributed so well in such a tough game."

The youngsters will get another chance against Middlesbrough in the next
round, and Benitez insists they earned their place on merit.

Prior to the Millwall result, cynics could have dismissed the introduction
of four Academy graduates as a publicity stunt.

Victory at The New Den underlined there was more to it than mere PR and
Benitez is forceful in his view he will only select players who are good
enough to wear the red jersey.

"Liverpool is the same as every other club in that the fans want you to use
the youngsters," says Benitez.

"In Valencia I would often use seven youngsters in the cup games. Some of
them stayed in the first team, others have gone on to new clubs, some in
the Spanish first or second division. The experience helped them and the club.

"As a manager, when you have the opportunity to give talented youngsters a
chance you must do it. But my view is it all depends on them. If they show
me they are good enough, I will use them.

"In my opinion, all the youngsters who played against Millwall have that
potential. Now they will need further games to get more experience."


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[lfc-news] Blackburn v Liverpool: team news - PA

PA Sport, 29 Oct 2004
PONGOLLE OUT FOR REDS

Liverpool will be without teenage striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle for
Saturday's visit to Blackburn following his exit from the controversial
Carling Cup win at Millwall on Tuesday.

The French youngster left The Den on crutches amid claims that he had been
stamped on during the match.

He suffered heavy bruising to his shin and calf and has had constant
treatment since returning from south London.

Manager Rafael Benitez hopes the player will return to training next week.

Beneitez isn't underestimating the opposition in spite of their current
position at the foot of the Premiership table.

Benitez said: "Blackburn need to win and this will be a hard game for us
but as always we are going there to win the game.

"The team are in good physical condition and all the players want to play.
The last game we won with different players and it is good for the team and
the squad.

"I see in training every day we are improving and getting better. We are
together and we want to win each match we play."

Spanish full-back Josemi missed that game through suspension but played
against Millwall and is expected to reclaim his place in the starting
line-up at Ewood Park.

The likes of Chris Kirkland, Sami Hyypia, Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Harry
Kewell and Djibril Cisse are also expected to return after being rested
against Millwall.

Turkish midfielder Tugay returns from suspension as Blackburn boss Mark
Hughes seeks to end his side's calamitous recent form.

Hughes has no new injury concerns but David Thompson (ankle) is definitely
ruled out and Lorenzo Amoruso's heel operation means he is sidelined for at
least two months.

Andy Todd and Jay McEveley are both pushing for recalls after successfully
negotiating reserve team matches in midweek.

Teams

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Enckelman, Gray, McEveley, Gresko, Short,
Matteo, Todd, Johansson, Neill, Reid, Emerton, Pedersen, De Pedro, Douglas,
Flitcroft, Tugay, Ferguson, Stead, Dickov, Jansen, Bothroyd, Djorkaeff,
Gallagher.

Liverpool (from): Kirkland, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore, Garcia,
Alonso, Hamann, Riise, Baros, Cisse, Dudek, Finnan, Kewell, Warnock, Diao,
Biscan.

[lfc-news] Defensive duo staying put under new manager - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 29 Oct 2004
Defensive duo staying put under new manager
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff

THEY were seemingly on their way out of Anfield no sooner had Rafael
Benitez arrived.

But now defensive duo Steve Finnan and Djimi Traore have played their way
into the core of the Spaniard's squad as he formulates a team capable of
challenging for top honours.

Benitez yesterday insisted he wanted Traore to remain at the club after the
French full-back came close to moving across Stanley Park to Everton in August.

And Irish international Finnan revealed it never crossed his mind that he
may leave Liverpool, despite rumours of strong interest from Tottenham
Hotspur before the transfer window closed in September.

Benitez's signing of Josemi appeared to cast doubt on Finnan's future at
Anfield. But the £3.5million capture from Fulham has responded to the
challenge from the incoming Spaniard.

"This season has gone well up to now," said Finnan. "There were a lot of
rumours about my future here but nothing was said by me or the club and the
manager has played me in the majority of games this season, whether it be
at right midfield or right-back.

"I feel as though my performances have been good in the games I've played
so far.

"I've always been confident that I can stay and play in the team. It's
always down to the manager whether you are wanted or not but it never
entered my head to leave. I've been in his plans so far and now I just want
to continue what I've been doing this year.

"I want to win things with this club. That's why we're all here. It would
be nice to be up there in the Premier-ship this season and at least closing
the gap which was there last year. Who knows what could happen?

"The boss wants to win the league but this season is probably a
transitional one for him. If we could win one of the cups and be up there
with the top teams then it would be a good season."

Traore, meanwhile, has made the most of his chance to impress Benitez after
being handed the left-back role in recent weeks.

And the Liverpool manager said yesterday: "I want to keep Djimi here. I
said when I came that if we trained properly we would increase the level of
the players. Traore is playing well because he has more confidence. Before
the transfer window closed we had to make some decisions on players.

"Djimi was one of those who was worried he would not play a lot. I told him
he would play, but I didn't know how many games. I assured him he was an
important member of the squad. I wanted to have all the players here so I
could fight for every title.

"In August, a lot of clubs spoke to him and his agent but I told him he
would play and I wanted him to stay. I want him here for the whole season."

[lfc-news] Carling Cup date set, and ticket arrangements - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 29 Oct 2004
CARLING CUP DATE SET AND TICKET ARRANGEMENTS
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool's Carling Cup 4th round tie against Middlesbrough at Anfield will
be played on Wednesday, 10th November.
The match will kick-off at 8pm and ticket selling arrangements are as follows:-

Carling Cup 4th Round Liverpool v Middlesbrough. To be played at Anfield on
Wednesday 10th November 2004, kick off 8.00pm.

The entire stadium will be ticketed and the following prices will apply:-

Main Stand, Centenary Stand, Paddock Enclosure, Anfield Road Lower Tier and
Kop Grandstand £17.00.

Kop Grandstand (one adult/one child combined) £25.00.

Anfield Road Upper (one adult/one child combined) £25.00.

Over 65's £12.50.

Wheelchair Spaces and Personal Assistants(combined ticket) £8.50.

Visually Impaired seats and Personal Assistants(combined ticket) 8.50.

The allocation and selling arrangements for Shareholders and Season Ticket
holders are as follows:-

Shareholders on holding 1-29 shares, 1 stand ticket at £17.00. 30-59
shares, 2 stand tickets at £17.00. 60-89 shares, 3 stand tickets at £17.00.
90 shares and over, 4 stand tickets at £17.00.

Main Stand, Centenary, Paddock, Anfield Road Lower and Kop Grandstand
Season Ticket holders, ONE stand ticket at £17.00.

Kop Grandstand adult/child Season Ticket holders ONE combined ticket at £25.00.

Anfield Road Adult/Child Season Ticket holders ONE combined ticket at £25.00.

Wheelchair/Visually Impaired Season Ticket holders and Personal Assistants
ONE combined ticket at £8.50.

Selling Arrangements. All the above tickets will be available to Season
Ticket holders and Shareholders at the Ticket Office, by postal
application, or by phone on the Carling Cup Credit Card line 0870 220 0056.
Shareholders should call 0870 220 2151. Season Ticket holders will also be
able to purchase tickets on line at www.liverpool.tv.

Personal application

The Fan Card must be presented when purchasing tickets at the Ticket Office
and Shareholders must bring details of their shareholding.

Postal application

Postal applications from Shareholders and Season Ticket holders should
include the correct remittanceand stamped addressed envelope. Season Ticket
holders must quote their Fan Card number.

Shareholders must give details of their Shareholding. Shareholders with
shares registered under a nominee company must give details of the nominee
company and the account number. Postal applications should be received by
Wednesday, 3rd November 2004. Send to LFC Ticket Office, PO Box 204,
Liverpool, L69 4PQ.

Telephone Bookings

Shareholders wishing to purchase tickets on the credit card booking line
should telephone 0870 220 2151. Shareholders will be required to confirm
their address and details of their shareholding and shareholders with
shares registered under a nominee company, must give details of the nominee
company and the account number must be supplied.

Tickets will be available to season ticket holders on 0870 220 0056 and
will be subject to a 50p per ticket booking fee. Season ticket holders must
quote their fan card number and confirm their address. This telephone
number will also be used when tickets become available for general sale.

Online bookings

Tickets may be booked online by quoting the fan card number and unique
password. There will be a transaction charge of £2.50 per ticket. Tickets
will be available from Monday, 1st November until Thursday 4th November
2004 during normal office hours Monday to Friday 9.15am to 4.45pm.

It is strongly recommended that Season Ticket holders wishing to attend the
match should purchase their tickets during the priority period set aside
for season ticket holders.

Balance of tickets

The balance of tickets will go on sale from Friday, 5th November 2004 and
the ticket office will be open as follows:-

Friday, 5th November, 9.15am to 4.45pm.

Saturday, 6th November, 9.15am to kick off (3.00pm) and then 15 minutes
after the match.

Sunday, 7th November, 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Monday, 8th November, 9.15am to 4.45pm.

Tuesday, 9th November, 9.15am to 4.45pm.

Wednesday, 10th November, 9.15am to Kickoff (8.00pm).

Non season tickets holders who have purchased a Fan Card should present
their Fan Card for personal applications at the Ticket Office, the Fan card
number and address must be quoted in postal application and on telephone
bookings, Online sales will require the Fan Card number and unique password.

In the event of Liverpool Football progressing in the Carling Cup priority
for future rounds will be given to Season Ticket holders and Non Season
Ticket holders holding a Fan Card who have purchased tickets for earlier
rounds.

Supporters wishing to gain priority for possible future rounds of the
Carling Cup will be offered the opportunity to purchase a Fan Card. Please
note that to gain full priority it is necessary to have one Fan Card per
ticket and the following details will be required for each card, name,
address Home Tel.no, Mobile No. and Email address.

Should tickets be available on the night of the match it will not be
possible to capture data at the turnstiles and therefore priority CANNOT be
credited against Fan Card holders details held on the Ticket Office
computer systems.

[lfc-news] Rafa blocks Traore move - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 28 Oct 2004
Rafa blocks Traore move
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has dashed Everton's lingering hopes of signing Djimi Traore
in January by insisting he wants the defender to stay at Anfield.

Traore was set to join the Blues during the summer until an 11th hour
summit with Benitez forced a change of heart.

Everton boss Moyes is expected to reignite his interest when the transfer
window opens.

But now the 23-year-old has forced his way back into Liverpool's first
team, Benitez hopes the youngster has been convinced to stay at Anfield.

The Spanish coach has been impressed by the manner Traore has responded to
the call-up and has no intention of letting him go.

"I want to keep Djimi here," said Benitez today.

"I said when I came that if we trained properly we would increase the level
of the players.

"Traore is playing well because he has more confidence. Before the transfer
window closed we had to make some decisions on players.

"Djimi was one of those who was worried he would not play a lot. I told him
he would play, but I didn't know how many games. I assured him he was an
important member of the squad. I wanted to have all the players here so I
could fight for every title.

"In August, a lot of clubs spoke to him and his agent but I told him he
would play and I wanted him to stay. I want him here for the whole season."

The Liverpool team trained at Melwood yesterday morning despite a difficult
return to Merseyside from Millwall on Tuesday night.

The team coach didn't leave The New Den until 11.15pm, a full hour and 45
minutes after the final whistle.

This was because the police wouldn't allow the Liverpool coach near the
stadium because of fears it would be attacked by Millwall fans.

The fact the players were left waiting at the ground for so long was
unsettling, a point overlooked during yesterday's media campaign by
Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis who claimed the home fans were innocent of
any provocative acts.

Liverpool have also been studying videos of the match and are considering
whether to call on the FA to review numerous tackles by Kevin Muscat.

Meanwhile, Benitez says right winger Antonio Nunez could start training
next week as he steps up his rehabilitation from knee surgery.


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[lfc-news] Carling Cup draw

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27 Oct, 2004
Carling Cup fourth round draw:

Burnley v Tottenham

Nottm For v Fulham

Newcastle v Chelsea

Liverpool v Middlesbrough

Watford v Southampton

Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Arsenal v Everton

Cardiff v Portsmouth

Matches to be played 9-10 November


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CLUB TRIBUTE TO DEVOTED RED PEEL

CLUB TRIBUTE TO DEVOTED RED PEEL

Very sad when I heard about this yesterday. Perhaps not that well-known outside the UK, this person was responsible for the success of many good performers, and will be missed by many. RIP.

[lfc-news] Cup clash marked by crowd trouble - PA

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PA Sport, 26 Oct 2004
CUP CLASH MARRED BY CROWD TROUBLE

Four supporters were arrested after crowd trouble flared during the second
half at tonight's Carling Cup tie between Liverpool and Millwall at The New
Den.

Away fans alleged the violence was sparked by chants relating to the
Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

Two supporters from either side were arrested and 68 seats were ripped up.
Seats were also thrown from the upper tier of the stand containing
Liverpool supporters, while fans in the lower tier of the away end rushed
towards their Millwall counterparts and riot police were required to quell
the damage.

A disabled fan was injured at the perimeter of the pitch as supporters in
the Liverpool end poured forward, while three supporters from the Liverpool
section and one from the Millwall section were ejected.

Former Liverpool skipper Phil Neal works as a charity co-ordinator for the
families involved in the Hillsborough tragedy and was at the game as a
co-commentator for Merseyside radio station Radio City.

He said: "I just want to forget about the bad experiences. I came here and
I just wanted to watch a game between Millwall and Liverpool under normal
circumstances.

"If it was chants about Hillsborough that started the violence, then it was
totally unnecessary.

"That was 15 years ago and the Heysel Stadium disaster was 19 years ago.
Seeing what happened tonight made me rather subdued, and I had to apologise
to my listeners because I did not say anything for about 20 minutes."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said he had seen "something" of the
violence and added: "In the stadium you want to see only good football."


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[lfc-news] Millwall report - PA

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PA Sport, 26 Oct 2004
Millwall 0 Liverpool 3

Milan Baros came off the bench to score a classy second-half double and
ensure an under-strength Liverpool moved into the fourth round of the
Carling Cup.

Rafael Benitez's team were already leading through Salif Diao's 18th-minute
goal when the Czech Republic striker, on for the injured Florent
Sinama-Pongolle, struck the second 20 minutes from time and added a third
with another superb finish in stoppage time.

Neil Harris missed three good chances for Millwall, who were industrious
and willing throughout, but Benitez's decision to make 10 changes to the
side that beat Charlton 2-0 on Saturday was ultimately vindicated.

Defender Djimi Traore was the only member of the Liverpool starting XI
tonight who began Saturday's game.

Youngsters Darren Potter, Zak Whitbread and Neil Mellor were handed rare
starts, while players like Jerzy Dudek, Salif Diao, Josemi and Igor Biscan
were given the chance to make their claim for a regular first-team spot.

Millwall player-manager Dennis Wise surprisingly left himself out of the 16
as one of three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Cardiff, with Adrian
Serioux coming into midfield and Marvin Elliott and Neil Harris replacing
Josh Simpson and the cup-tied Barry Hayles respectively.

Millwall should have gone ahead with the game less than five minutes old.

Harris beat the offside trap to race onto David Livermore's long ball down
the left, but the striker's first touch was woeful and Dudek came out
quickly to claim the ball.

That move appeared to spark Liverpool into life, and it took a fine block
from Kevin Muscat to prevent Mellor's shot troubling goalkeeper Graham
Stack after Florent Sinama-Pongolle had played the ball into the path of
his strike partner.

But Liverpool did go in front in the 18th minute. Whitbread challenged with
Millwall defender Darren Ward in the air following Potter's corner, and
when the ball fell to Diao the Senegal midfielder drilled the ball into the
right corner from 10 yards.

But Millwall did not lose heart, and Serioux caused plenty of uncertainty
in the visitors' goalmouth with three huge throw-ins from the right.

Millwall continued to press and Elliott was unlucky not to control the ball
when Jody Morris' right-wing corner reached him on the edge of the six-yard
box in the 33rd minute.

Morris and Jo Tessem then linked cleverly on the left and Tessem's cross
was blocked for a corner that Harris headed over from an unmarked position
at the far post.

But the home defence always looked vulnerable against the pace and trickery
of Sinama-Pongolle, and it took three defenders to stop him after Morris'
tackle on Diao had rebounded into the French striker's path.

Sinama-Pongolle insidious run after Serioux had been dispossessed should
have resulted in a second goal for Rafael Benitez's team, but Mellor could
only steer the ball into the arms of Stack after his team-mate had set him
up 10 yards from goal.

Sinama-Pongolle squandered a fantastic chance to put the game beyond
Millwall when he raced onto Potter's through ball and rounded Stack - only
to steer the ball into the side-netting after over-running it.

The young forward fell awkwardly after shooting and had to be replaced by
Milan Baros in the 53rd minute.

Almost immediately, Millwall responded and Harris was sent clear on Dudek
after a clever reverse pass from the left by Tessem, but once more the
27-year-old shot too close to the Polish 'keeper, who saved with his legs.

Baros made virtually certain of Liverpool's passage into the fourth round
with the second goal 20 minutes from time.

Stack came out to push the ball away from the feet of the marauding Potter,
but unfortunately for the Millwall keeper the ball fell to Stephen Warnock,
who switched it right for Baros to evade Livermore and supply a classy
finish into the unguarded net.

With little more than 10 minutes remaining, some supporters in the lower
tier of the away end clashed with police guarding the perimeter of the
pitch, but the officers managed to prevent the situation from escalating.

Trouble also flared on the field as Muscat and Baros had to be separated by
a team-mates when the Czech Republic striker tackled the Millwall skipper
after the ball had gone and both players were cautioned by referee Alan Wiley.

Liverpool almost claimed a third when Darren Ward headed Potter's free-kick
against his own bar in the 83rd minute.

But Baros outpaced Lawrence in stoppage time and shot into the left corner
to secure a 3-0 success.

Millwall: Stack, Muscat, Ward, Lawrence, Livermore, Dunne (Healy 79),
Elliot, Morris, Serioux (McCammon 77), Tessem, Harris
Subs not used: Marshall, Simpson, Cogan
Booked: Muscat, Serioux

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Henchoz, Traore, Whitbread, Potter, Biscan, Diao,
Warnock (Riise 81), Mellor (Finnan 65), Sinama Pongolle (Baros 52)
Subs not used: Kirkland, Carragher
Booked: Diao, Mellor, Baros
Goals: Diao 18, Baros 70, 90

Att: 17,655
Referee: A Wiley

BAROS HOPES SCORING TOUCH IS BACK

Liverpool striker Milan Baros hopes his two goals in the 3-0 Carling Cup
third-round win at Millwall will give him the confidence to score against
better opposition.

The Reds - with 10 changes from Saturday's victory over Charlton - were
leading 1-0 through Salif Diao's 18th-minute strike when the Czech Republic
forward was introduced for the injured Florent Sinama-Pongolle in the 50th
minute.

He wrapped up victory in an bad-tempered match with goals in the 70th and
90th minutes.

"In the second half we had more space up front. I am happy with the goals
and hopefully they will continue in the league and Champions League," said
Baros.

"I created a few chances at the weekend and missed them so for the
confidence, especially for a striker, it is important to score the goals.

"The young players had a chance to show how good they are and they played
well today."

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was rarely troubled by a limited Millwall side but
he too praised the younger players who contributed.

"I think we all played very well. I think we all have to be satisfied with
the performance," he told Sky Sports.

"The coach rested a few players and the youngsters has a chance to show
themselves.

"It was important to score the early goal, it was important to keep cool
because when you come down to Millwall you expect a bit of fun on the pitch
in 90 minutes."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to comment on Millwall's
strong-arm tactics which saw heavy challenges flying in all over the pitch.

"I don't want to talk about these kind of things. It think it is better for
me to say nothing," he said, preferring to focus on the positives from the
performance.

"I am delighted with the players because they fought and they played well
and it was difficult, and if you score three goals and win it is fantastic
for the players.

"We kept the ball for a long time and that is important for the control of
the game. We kept our concentration during the game and that was important
for the younger players."

However, Benitez would not reveal whether he would continue to play a
reserve side in the competition as Liverpool's fixture list gets more crowded.

All he would say was: "If they don't play many games during the season or
in the Premier it is important to play in the cup."


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[lfc-news] Reserves v Bolton: report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 25 Oct 2004
RESERVES DEFEATED BY BOLTON

A missed penalty by John Welsh ultimately proved decisive as Liverpool
Reserves slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat by Bolton Wanderers at
Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground, writes Steve Hunter.

This was Hughie McAuley's team third straight defeat and their sixth of the
season and are now near the bottom of the reserve league table.

Two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the first half set Bolton on their
way but Liverpool were unlucky not to take anything from the game after a
good second half performance.

Mark Smyth scored the Liverpool goal and then won the penalty but Welsh's
weak effort was easily saved by Chris Howarth.

Despite Welsh missing the spot kick he deserves credit for a good
performance and he worked his socks off. He would be disappointed at not
featuring in the Liverpool squad for the Carling Cup match at Millwall but
the England Under-21 international showed great spirit and attitude. He
didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Besides the inclusion of captain Welsh and promising England Under-20
international defender David Raven, Hughie McAuley fielded largely an
Under-18 Academy side. The likes of Neil Mellor, Darren Potter and Zak
Whitbread are with the first team hoping to feature at Millwall. Mark Smyth
played through the pain barrier despite not being 100 per cent fit and did
very well in attack while Paul Harrison returned in goal replacing the
dropped Patrice Luzi.

Bolton made a fantastic start to the game and were 2-0 up in the opening 10
minutes of the match thanks to two goals from striker Ricardo Vaz Te. First
he produced a superb curled finish beyond the reach of Harrison then after
chasing a through ball, he rounded the Reds keeper and from a tight angle
found the net.

Vaz Te could easily have completed a first half hat-trick but pulled one
effort just wide.

John Welsh did his best totry and inspire the Liverpool team and went close
with a rasping drive that saw keeper Chris Howarth deny him with a great
one handed stop.

Scotland Under-21 international was quite lively in attack for Liverpool
and was unlucky not to score in the first half. After 28 minutes he turned
past two defenders only to see a brilliant effort come off the underside of
the bar, then after 38 minutes he was denied by a good save from Howarth.

Liverpool started the second half well and left back Danny Smith went close
with a great strike that flew just wide then Mark Smyth got the Reds back
into the match after 58 minutes. His effort was deflected into the net but
the Reds had a lifeline.

Smyth was at the centre of the action and won a penalty after 65 minutes. A
superb through ball from David Mannix put Smyth clear and he was tripped by
Florent Laville. In the absence of Mellor John Welsh stepped up to take the
kick but unfortunately it was a poor kick and Howarth made a comfortable save.

Mannix went close to an equaliser with two fine strikes, sending one
25-yard drive just over the bar and then seeing an effort well held by Howarth.

Welsh and Ryan Wilkie also went close in the final stages of the match but
unfortunately it was another defeat for Liverpool.

Results will certainly have to improve soon because there is relegation
from the Reserve Northern Division and that would be unthinkable for Liverpool.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, J Smith, D Smith, Raven, O'Donnell, Mannix,
Guthrie, Welsh, Foy, Smyth (Noon 83), Wilkie. Subs unused: Luzi, Woods,
Barratt, Hammill.

Bolton Reserves: Howarth, Livesey, Talbot, Laville, Comyn-Platt, Whitehead,
O'Brien, Hill (Magill 78), Vaz Te, Shakes (Thach 78), Kribib (Sinclair 78).

Referee: M Matadar.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: John Welsh. He showed a great attitude and
did really well, and the only blemish to his performance was the missed penalty.


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[lfc-news] Mellor hoping to be a Lion tamer - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 25 Oct 2004
MELLOR HOPING TO BE A LION TAMER
By Steve Hunter

Prolific reserve team striker Neil Mellor is hoping to get the nod from
manager Rafael Benitez to start in Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Millwall
and show he has what it takes to be given a chance at Liverpool.
Benitez indicated that Mellor will play a part in the match at Millwall and
the striker is confident that he can do well after returning to fitness. He
suffered a blow pre-season when a knee injury kept him out of action for
six weeks but has since returned and scored five goals in seven matches so
far this season for the reserves.

Mellor hasn't played for the first team since the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham
on 23rd February 2003 when he appeared for the final five minutes replacing
Bruno Cheyrou. Mellor was also an unused substitute during the 2-0 UEFA Cup
home defeat by Celtic and since then was out of favour under the previous
manager Gerard Houllier.

An unsuccessful injury hit loan spell at West Ham followed before he
returned to Liverpool during the back end of last season and scored 10
goals in four games for the reserves.

Mellor was then all set to be shipped off to Crewe on loan under Houllier
at the start of this season before the arrival of Rafael Benitez blocked
the move.

Mellor told Liverpoolfc.tv: "If I get the opportunity to play against
Millwall I will be more than ready and can't wait for the game.

"I don't think I have been playing well this season and have to be honest
about that. Yes I got injured pre-season and was out for six weeks without
having a chance to show the new manager what I could do and that did set me
back.

"When I came back to Liverpool last season I was flying and scored four
goals in 10 games for the reserves and would have liked a first team chance
then, but because of the rules that wasn't to be.

"The previous manager Houllier tried to get me to go to Crewe on loan this
season which put me on a bit of a downer because I thought I would get a
chance the way I finished last season. However the new manager came in and
it all got scrapped which gave me a real confidence boost.

"I feel my form is getting better and there was an improvement against
Manchester United last week when I scored twice. I have worked hard on my
fitness and will continue to work hard and improve.

"I'm not sure what reception I will get if I do play from the Millwall fans
though. They were big rivals to West Ham last season and I remember it
wasn't the nicest of environments but I'd love to get out there and score a
few goals for the first team."

Mellor says he has been encouraged by the manager Rafael Benitez who has
been very open and honest with the 21-year-old.

Mellor said: "I went to see the manager last week just to have a chat with
him and I told him he hasn't seen me at my best so far this season. He was
very honest with me and told me to keep working hard, improve my fitness
and I would get a chance.

"He was really positive with me which was nice. The manager tells it like
it is, he is straight forward and honest which is what you need as a
player. He told me he was impressed with my goalscoring but I needed to
improve my fitness if I was to get into his first team.

"I know I have to improve my fitness and I will do that. This is my fourth
season in the reserves now and I want to be knocking on the first team door
now and at least get a place on the bench.

"I want to keep improving my level and I know when I will be ready and when
the time is right I will speak to the manager again, I'm not frightened
about that.

"The likes of myself, John Welsh, Darren Potter and Zak Whitbread are all
trying to make the breakthrough to the first team and seeing Stephen
Warnock get a deserved chance has given us all a big lift. Potter played 90
minutes in the Champions League qualifier and it's good and encouraging for
us young lads."


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[lfc-news] Rafa to rest big guns for Millwall tie - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 25 Oct 2004
Rafa to rest big guns for Millwall tie
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ will leave his big guns at home when Liverpool head to
Millwall for tomorrow's Carling Cup tie.

Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Harry Kewell, Dietmar Hamann, Sami Hyypia and
Djibril Cisse aren't even in the squad for the trip.

Neil Mellor, Zak Whitbread and Darren Potter have been included in the
16-man party.

Benitez clearly sees other competitions as his main priority and is
planning to give some of his fringe players an opportunity.

Meanwhile, Chris Kirkland (pictured below) today underlined the renewed
confidence sweeping across Anfield when he declared: "We feel unbeatable at
home."

Liverpool's convincing 2-0 win over Charlton maintained the only 100 per
cent home record in the Premiership.

After an horrific season at Anfield last year when the Reds' ten wins and
five defeats represented their worst home campaign since relegation in
1954, Benitez has inspired a dramatic improvement.

The club is also five points better off after nine games than at this stage
12 months ago.

Kirkland admits the players now have more belief playing in front of their
own fans.

"You've got to go into every home game thinking you won't be beaten and
that's how we feel now," said Kirkland.

"That's how the top sides feel when we go to their place and it has to be
the same for us.

"We have to tell ourselves 'This is Anfield'. It's our home and we want to
intimidate teams when they come here. This has to be a tough place for
teams to visit.

"I came here as a Coventry player and I know how difficult it is. When the
fans and players are both on song, any side will struggle against us.

"We're playing with a lot of confidence at Anfield now, especially going
forward. We've got a lot of quick players and when you've got Luis Garcia
and Xabi Alonso, you're talking about two very creative lads who can pick
out the right pass all the time.

"I think we're a lot more dangerous now. Now we have to produce the same
away from home too."


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